Stevens Blames Contractor Friend For 'Devious' Giving

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senator Ted Stevens is blaming his corruptiontrial on a generous friend, who he says engaged in some "devious"gift-giving. The Alaska Republican is charged with lying about receiving morethan a quarter million dollars worth of home renovations and gifts. Prosecutors say rather than hiring a contractor, Stevens reliedon his friend Bill Allen, the chairman of an oil services company,to manage the project and "never paid a dime." Stevens says he was clueless about the cost and scope of theproject, and his wife controlled the family's finances. Prosecutors say Stevens has become crafty over the course of hispolitical career, learning how to accept gifts without drawingattention to himself. Stevens' trial continues this morning.

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